Our Honourees

Dr Ken Mackey AM, Lockhart: After 44 years in the medical industry and 27 years in Lockhart Dr Ken Mackey has been recognised for his work with an Australia Day Award. Continue reading

Dr Paul Mara AM, Gundagai: Dr Mara has been inducted as a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to medicine, particularly through the recruitment and retention of medical practitioners in rural and remote areas. Continue reading

Thomas McMullen OAM, Wagga: A devoted husband who established the city’s first cancer support service after watching his wife’s battle with breast cancer has been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal. Continue reading

The late Stuart McWilliam AM, Griffith: Mr McWilliam was recognised for his services to the community, including being a benefactor of St Vincent’s Private Community Hospital, helping set up Pioneer Lodge and other numerous contributions. Continue reading

Mike Mullins, OAM, formerly of The Rock: On Australia Day, 1981, director Mike Mullins was arrested during a performance art political protest called The Lone Anzac. On Australia Day, 2016, he will be awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his service to theatre and the arts. Read more

Colin Smeeth, AFSM, Griffith: After a close call with a power line in 2015, volunteer firefighter Colin Smeeth has been awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal. Mr Smeeth, group captain for MIA Zone Region South, joined the Wyangan Brigade in 1967. Continue reading

Stories

STAY SAFE, POLICE URGE:Police police have implored locals to celebrate safely this Australia Day, as the increase of alcohol and drugs pose a growing danger.

STORMS TO ‘CLAP OUT’ AUSTRALIA DAY FUN:River floats, inflatable pools and beach bashes have almost become a compulsory part of Australia Day in Wagga – and the weather forecast is sure to keep celebrators happy if they get in early on Tuesday.

PATRIOTS BEEF UP CELEBRATION STOCK AHEAD OF AUSTRALIA DAY:Try not to butcher your Australia Day celebrations this year – and buy meat. It is a sentiment shared by the majority of the Riverina, who are mincing trends of turning to alternatives and instead tucking into traditional meals of beef and lamb more than ever.

CALLS FOR NEW AUSTRALIA DAY GROWING:With Australia Day celebrations becoming increasingly steeped in controversy, a rapidly growing local movement is calling to change the date of the iconic day.

COLEAMBALLY CELEBRATES AUSTRALIA DAY:Danny Graham has been named Coleambally’s Citizen of the Year for 2016. Mr Graham was given the award for his involvement with the Coleambally Football Netball Club as well as captaining the local fire crew and helping with St Peter’s School board.

ATHERTONS, POTENT AND MAYOR STEAL THE SHOW AT HARDEN: Fine weather greeted the Harden Murrumburrah and district residents at Newson Park on Tuesday morning as the shire officially celebrated their official Australia Day celebrations where a sizeable crowd from the local community gathered for a barbecue breakfast and to be reminded of what it means to be Australian.